This page gives an introduction to soft tissue sarcoma, and links through to the different subtypes within soft tissue sarcoma. We also have a full list of all sarcoma subtypes.
What is soft tissue sarcoma?
Soft tissue sarcomas are cancers that develop in supporting or connective tissue such as the:
- muscle
- nerves
- tendons
- blood vessels
- fatty and fibrous tissues.
They commonly affect the arms, legs and trunk. They also appear in the stomach and intestines (GIST) as well as behind the abdomen (retroperitoneal sarcomas) and the female reproductive system (gynaecological sarcomas). The most common subtype of soft tissue sarcoma is GIST.
How many people get soft tissue sarcoma?
Between 2013 and 2017, there were 19,717 cases of soft tissue sarcoma recorded in England. That’s an average of 3,943 cases a year.
Visit our soft tissue sarcoma dashboard for more information about how many people get soft tissue sarcoma.
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Last reviewed May 2023 | Next review due May 2026
All references are available upon request. Please email info@sarcoma.org.uk